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Predicting the affects of global warming is a complicated process with many disagreements over the severity and possible effects of estimated rises in atmospheric CO2 and temperature. One test currently underway in British Columbia seeks to ascertain experimentally the effects that predicted temperatures will have on tree life.

This experiment has been termed the Assisted Migration Adaptation Trial (AMAT). It involves taking seedlings of a multitude of species from their natural habitat and moving them into regions with a similar environment to what their natural habitat is expected to be like in the years 2025, 2055 and 2085. This test is being hailed as a progressive pro-active approach to the global warming issue by some, yet others consider it to be both dangerous and disruptive to their ecosystems.

Of the 200,000 known butterfly species the painted lady butterfly (Vanessa Cardui) is the most globally distributed. The distribution of most forms of butterflies is limited by climate. The majority of species, if their body temperature drops to below 30oC will lose the ability to fly and with either die or enter a state of torpor.

The colourful wings have both defensive and procreative purposes. They are intended to scare off birds. As well as this males have iridescent wing scales which when he flutters his wings creates a UV strobe which in combination with pheromones attracts potential mates. Different species have different pheromone scents which aid in identification. The Common Blue Butterfly smells distinctly of chocolate.